Discover Common Types of Synthetic Turf Grass

Installing synthetic turf grass on your lawn is great landscaping choice for a variety of reasons. It is an environmentally-friendly choice since it doesn’t require regular watering or any fertilizers. It gives your property a healthy, well-kept look without requiring major maintenance and it can save you money in the long run.

But before you put an artificial lawn in your yard, you need to do some research. Not all types of artificial turf are alike. There are factors that will make certain types of turf more appropriate for different uses. You’ll want to read the specifications provided by the artificial grass manufacturer carefully before you make a purchase to ensure that you are getting the right turf for your needs.

Here is a brief overview of some of the most common types of artificial turf materials and what makes them so unique:

Athletic Turf: This is turf that is specifically designed to go on sports playing surfaces for football, soccer, lacrosse and other sports usually played on grass. The pile height is usually two to three inches and has crumbled bits of rubber or silica sand used as infill. These small pellets of infill are easily tracked into a home, so this is not a good residential turf choice.

Landscaping Turf: Turf that is appropriate for residential use has a microfiber layer of yarn that serves as the “roots” of the turf. This layer keeps the blades of turf upright, eliminating the need for infill. This type of grass often has the highest amount of yarn per square foot and is made to closely resemble actual grass.

Pet-Friendly Turf: If you have pets at your home – particularly dogs – you will want to look for artificial turf that is specifically designed for them. This means that it will have a special antibacterial treatment meant to reduce odors associated with urine and feces. It will also have excellent drainage capabilities, making it easy for you to hose down and clean the turf.

Playground Turf: When it comes to turf for playground uses, safety is important. Turf that’s appropriate for the playground is often heavily padded to cushion youngsters who fall while playing rough and tumble. The turf itself is also often very dense. It is possible to use athletic turf as an alternative to playground turf; however, the infill can be messy when little hands and feet are playing on the turf.

Tip of the Day

For homeowners who live in areas where it rains periodically, rainwater will usually be sufficient to remove dust and bits of soil from the synthetic grass. If there are stains that can not be removed with water alone, a mild detergent may be used. Gently wipe the surface until the stain is removed.